Pasco County has been phasing in the reopening of some of its recreational facilities.
Activities such as walking, biking, hiking, fishing or running can be done in specific locations, according to a Pasco County news release.
Groups of more than 10 will not be permitted and people must maintain social distancing from others of at least 6 feet, to help prevent the spread of coronavirus … [Read more...]

Hillsborough County is proposing a $40 million project to ease traffic congestion on Van Dyke Road in Lutz.
The project is expected to begin construction in late 2022, and be completed by late 2024.
Now in its planning phase, the proposed project calls for widening Van Dyke Road from two lanes to four lanes, in a 2-mile stretch from Whirley Road to the Suncoast Parkway.
The plan also … [Read more...]

Hillsborough County’s annual Hiking Spree is back, with some new twists, turns and challenges.
The hiking extravaganza, now in its fourth year, encourages people to exercise, explore the outdoors, and experience nature through the county’s numerous parks and preserves.
The 2020 Hiking Spree trail list features 24 trails at 21 locations throughout the county.
Five of those parks sit within … [Read more...]

As we embark on a new year, the sports world within The Laker/Lutz News coverage area promises to deliver plenty to watch, experience, and perhaps appreciate.
Here’s a closer look at some of the happenings in 2019:
One major development will be the progression of new sports facilities throughout East Pasco County — whether it’s the end-of-year completion of the Wiregrass Ranch Sports … [Read more...]

One of Tampa Bay’s most exclusive private communities, Carencia by Bayfair Homes in Odessa, has begun construction of its fourth million-dollar-plus home.
“The momentum is building at Carencia,” said Ryan Dougherty, Bayfair’s vice president of sales and marketing.
“Our newest home to start construction on is located on Lake Pretty, and has over 5,000 square feet of living area, with splendid … [Read more...]

Part of the Suncoast Trail will be closed from Feb. 27 through March 9 for repairs and resurfacing, according to a news release from Pasco County.
The 42-mile trail winds through Hillsborough, Pasco and Hernando counties. The largest segment of nearly 22 miles is in Pasco.
The closure includes trail access south of State Road 52, and north of State Road 54.
The project is one of Pasco … [Read more...]

At locations around Hillsborough County, officials from the Hillsborough County Parks and Recreation department are meeting with residents to discuss future recreational plans for the county.
On June 27, the public input session was held at the Northdale Community Center. That was one of seven meetings in June to gather suggestions as the county creates its comprehensive plan for its parks … [Read more...]

A new 4.35-mile section of the Upper Tampa Bay Trail is receiving widespread approval from walkers, joggers and cyclists, alike.
“The general feedback has been very positive,” said Forest Turbiville, Hillsborough County’s director of conservation and environmental lands management. “I mean, people love it.”
The $6.2 million project, which was unveiled on Dec. 1, featured the completion … [Read more...]

Editor’s Note: Due to heavy rain and flooding, Hillsborough County officials had to postpone the opening of the Upper Tampa Bay Trail. The ribbon cutting, which had been scheduled for Aug. 7, will be re-scheduled for a later date. Notice of the cancellation was received after the publication deadline for The Laker/Lutz News.
Nature will be an up-close experience for strollers, joggers, skaters … [Read more...]

What’s Happening

The Land O’ Lakes Library, 2818 Collier Parkway, will offer floating candle jar kits on June 8 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., to be picked up curbside. The kit will include one floating candle, a glass jar, and instructions on how to make your own luminary. Supplies are limited. For information and current library hours, call (813) 929-1214. … [Read More...]

The Hugh Embry Library, 14215 Fourth St., in Dade City, will provide a fairy jar kit on June 9, all day, for adults only. To see the prerecorded video, visit the library’s Facebook page. For information and current branch hours, call (352) 567-3576. … [Read More...]

The Land O’ Lakes Library, 2818 Collier Parkway, will offer a curbside pickup for a Tinkering Tuesday kit on June 9 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The theme will be Healthy Habits. On the library’s Facebook page, there will be event links for the instructions to the experiments and activities, as well as other resources. For information and current library hours, call (813) 929-1214. … [Read More...]

The Land O’ Lakes Library, 2818 Collier Parkway, will host a Virtual SRC: Ultimate Block Party on June 10 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., and again from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., with Minecraft activities. Register through the library with your email to receive the Zoom link to attend. For information and current library hours, call (813) 929-1214. … [Read More...]

The Hugh Embry Library, 14215 Fourth St., in Dade City, will host a virtual event, “Teens: Trashy Art,” on June 10 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m., for grades eight to 12. Participants can be creative using acrylic paint. Kits will be provided. Email Danielle Lee at *protected email* in advance, for the link. … [Read More...]

The Hugh Embry Library, 14215 Fourth St., in Dade City, will host “Storytime By the Sea: Pirates and Mermaids” on June 10 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., using Zoom, for ages up to 5 years old. Kids can listen to stories and sing songs, and make a sand sensory bottle with seashells, sand, stones and jewels (kits to be provided). For information and for access to the event, email Danielle Lee at *protected email*. … [Read More...]